Abstract: Aluminum dross is composed mainly of alumina(Al₂O₃), metal aluminum(Al), Aluminum nitride(AlN), magnesium spinel (MgAlO₄), Periclase (MgO), quartz (SiO₂) and molten salt, which contains a small amount of carbides and nitrides. The formation process and environmental hazards of aluminum dross are outlined. The application of pyrometallurgical method and hydrometallurgical method in the recovery of aluminum and alumina is summarized in order to improve the recovery rate of aluminum and alumina, reduce the pollution of aluminum dross to a greatest extent and realize the recycling of aluminum dross.